3D Printer Demonstration Models

While teaching a class on 3D printing I wanted a way to better demonstrate the different types of 3D printers, specifically SLA (resin), SLS (powder) and FDM (filament) technologies. These models were designed to show how each type of printer most commonly moves while printing. SLA by pulling the bed up from the resin, SLS by lowering down, and FDM by building up. The SLA and SLS models also include an object that was printed to better illustrate the process. A pair of 8x2 magnets can be used on the SLA (resin) model to pull the printed object up out of the resin bed as it prints. While the SLS (powder) has an object that can be ejected from the bed and the unused material “broken away” to reveal the object inside. The FDM (filament) printer requires assembly but illustrates the XYZ movement of a “bed slinger” configuration. The build plate on the FDM model is not attached so a rough approximation of a “CoreXY” design could also be shown.